The Story Collider is delighted to partner with Boise State University to share true, personal science stories from their graduate engineering students.
Join us for an evening of stories about revelations—the moments that change everything. From unexpected diagnoses and career-defining detours to finding the courage to speak up, discovering where you belong, and realizing you're capable of more than you imagined, these stories explore how science and engineering can illuminate not only the world around us, but ourselves.
Come for the science, stay for the heart.
Doors open at 6:00 p.m. MT. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. MT.
Hosted by Bryan Kett and Meisa Salaita.
Stories by:
Roxanne Stone: I am a Research Project Manager at Boise State University, where I support research initiatives, foster collaboration, and help teams navigate complex projects from idea to implementation. In addition to my professional role, I am currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering, with research focused on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. As both a working professional and a mom, I understand the balance of managing multiple responsibilities while continuing to grow personally and professionally. I value curiosity, resilience, and lifelong learning, and I believe some of the most meaningful growth happens when we remain open to new ideas and challenges. I am passionate about supporting research, building connections, and contributing to environments where innovation and people can thrive. I hope to continue growing my career at Boise State in a research-focused capacity, helping advance meaningful work that creates lasting impact.
Olayemi Adeyemi is a PhD candidate in Computing at Boise State University, where she researches atmospheric dynamics and numerical modeling. She holds an MSc in Mathematical Sciences from AIMS Rwanda. Originally from Nigeria, Yemi has spent the past few years planting roots and pursuing her studies in the United States, guided by a deep faith and a love for learning. In her free time, she enjoys watching dramas, shopping, and spending time with family.
Jeannette Martin is a first year PhD student in the Ecology, Evolution, and Behavior Program at Boise State. Her research explores social vulnerability to wildfires, with a specific focus on wildfire preparedness. Her work is dedicated to understanding the adaptive capacity of communities most at risk. In her free time she enjoys reading, hiking, and FaceTiming her dogs back in California.
Elizabeth Urban: I am a PhD student at Boise State investigating what makes students choose to be geoscientists. I am deeply passionate about geoscience, and will share that passion with anyone, at anytime. When I am not talking about volcanoes, earthquakes, and plate tectonics, I love to read, craft, play games, watch baseball (go Mariners!), and spend time with my loved ones. I am deathly afraid of spiders, and I refuse to learn how to ride a bicycle.